I’ve been reading them from the start– probably as far back as 2009. My first attempt to draft No Eye Has Seen started with me reading several “time-slip-like” YA novels. At the time, I was writing “Momma Jane” (original title) as a YA and was taking a course in writing children’s fiction. The two books I read as examples, and which I loved so much I still have copies on
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TOP 10 — #1 The Back and Forth of Finances
Starting New Rhythms… This morning I woke up late after having a bit of insomnia. In part, I blamed the two cupcakes (sugar, chocolate, gluten and all!) that were leftovers from my granddaughter’s 1st Birthday Party on Sunday. Second, my 17-year-old hadn’t sent me a Snapchat saying he was home from work (our agreement so I don’t wake up at 2am wondering if he made it home safe!) However, after
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What are you afraid of? Walking through to the other side of fear — in fiction and real life
I use the question “what if” as a brainstorming tool for possible plot ideas for future novels. But another question it’s harder to answer, but can make for a great dramatic story is, “What am I afraid of?” For my WIP “A Desperate Housewife” the question I had asked was what is my greatest fear about my marriage, about my husband? During a very dark part of our marriage I
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One Stop for Writers Emotional Wounds Thesaurus – Sharing as I Create Deep Characters for my WIP – PART 1
While seeking ways to create different, yet deep character traits for three sisters in my current WIP, I started to explore One Stop for Writers Emotional Wound Thesaurus. I had just ordered the Emotion and Negative and Positive Trait Thesauruses for reference, but didn’t know how powerful using these three resources could be until I began to dive into the Emotional Wound Thesaurus online. Now, I already had a general
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10 Take-Away Moments from Mount Hermon Writers Conference 2017
It’s been ten days since I left the 2017 Mount Hermon Writers Conference. Yesterday morning was the first time I’ve had a chance to write since I was on the airplane. I could give you excuses, but excuse or not, I needed to allow myself time to decompress. So, before I venture into my world of women’s fiction, I thought I’d share ten take-away moments (I started calling them lessons, but
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40 Days to Mount Hermon – Fasting and Prayer Week 2
DAY 8 – Friday “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 Somehow, I woke out of a deep dream in time to get my son to school. Another full day ahead and a birthday on Saturday (my youngest turned 13) – I realized writing time would be minimal. Yet, I was feeling better than ever — really good actually! I was excited and felt confident
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Mount Hermon 2017 and My 40 Day Preparation Fast
In the time since my last post, God’s prompted me with things I need to let go of and change for my writing pursuits to reach their full potential. I’ve been excusing my lack of discipline and focus due to the constant change and chaos in my life. As a result, I’ve begun efforts to change my normal default tendencies. I’ve eliminated gluten and other foods that increase my bouts of
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When Failure is Part of God’s Plan
Failure according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary: 1a: omission of occurrence or performance; specifically: a failing to perform a duty or expected action b (1) : a state of inability to perform a normal function c: a fracturing or giving way under stress 2a: lack of success b: a failing in business 3a: a falling short (deterioration or decay) 4 : one that has failed Is it just me, or is the concept of failure taboo these days? Why do we avoid
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WCCW Conference 2015 Reflections
Time to Be Brave and Embrace the Call to Write! Attending a writer’s conference is one of those things difficult to transfer onto paper (or screen.) You really have to be there to understand the full experience. From making face-to-face connections with writers and mentors you only known via social media to making new contacts with fellow writers or published, yet unfamiliar authors—there are many benefits beyond simply listening to
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TOP 10 Ways I Use Real Life to Inspire My Fiction Writing
I have lived a relatively profound life. Some things “happened” to me, and were beyond my ability to control. Others were the result of poor choices, ignorance, or a secret desire to create drama when I felt things were a little boring. As I have matured as a woman and in my walk as a Christian, I have realized that each experience–every defeat, hurt, or challenge–has led me to a
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5 Things I’ve Learned as a NaNo Noob
It was October 31 and the deadline for submitting my final draft to my publisher for No Eye Has Seen: Book 1 Beyond the Valley. During the previous week, I had psyched myself about finishing Book 1 and diving right into Book 2 by participating in National Novel Writing Month 2014. Last year, I signed up but that was about all. But this year, I felt I needed to follow through.
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Expendable to the World, but Never to God
About a week ago, I stood at my writing desk just before heading off to work and said this prayer… Lord Jesus, please help me to have more time and energy to write for Your glory. I just don’t understand why this calling to write can be so strong, yet I have nothing left to give you by the end of the week. I could give You so much more